Tesco to shake-up management and close counters, 2,100 jobs at risk

Tesco has announced a shake-up of its management structure alongside plans to shutter its remaining hot counters and delis, in a move that could place up to 2,100 jobs at risk. 

While the supermarket is set to introduce 1,800 new shift leader roles as part of its restructuring plan, it said it has taken the “difficult decision” to reduce the number of lead and team manager roles in large stores, in a move that will impact around 1,750 workers. 

The group had previously started rolling out this management structure in around 350 of its smaller Superstores over the past couple of years, and will now extend this across all larger Superstores and Extra stores in an aim to simplify the business.

In a statement, Tesco said it will support those impacted by these changes, who will have the option of moving into shift leader vacancies with financial support or taking redundancy.

Alongside this management shake-up, the group will close its remaining counters and hot delis from 26 February, with the spaces “repurposed to better reflect our customers’ needs”. All those affected will be offered alternative roles in-store, according to the group.

It comes as the group has seen a “significant decrease” in demand for counters over the last few years, with more customers opting to choose products from aisles. It noted the majority of its stores no longer operate any counters, and the small numbers that do are only open with reduced days and times.

In addition to these changes, the group said it will also implement some localised changes across the business, including the closure of eight pharmacies where there are other pharmacies within one mile of our store, moving overnight roles to the daytime in 12 stores and reducing hours within some Post Offices. 

It will also remove a small number of roles in its Head Office and close the Tesco Maintenance National Operating Centre (NOC) in Milton Keynes. 

Taking into account these localised changes, a further 350 roles are expected to be impacted. 

Tesco confirmed it will enter a consultation process with USDAW on these proposals. 

Tesco UK and ROI CEO, Jason Tarry, said: “These are difficult decisions to make, but they are necessary to ensure we remain focused on delivering value for our customers wherever we can, as well as ensuring our store offer reflects what our customers value the most. 

“Our priority is to support those colleagues impacted and help find alternative roles within our business from the vacancies and newly created roles we have available.”